Gusts of up to 70mph could sweep across the county over the Christmas period with the possibility of 'Storm Dylan' being named.

Weather forecasters predict that up to 60mph gales will hit all of the UK over the busiest festive travel days in the run up to Christmas Day, with 70mph winds also affecting shoppers from Boxing Day onwards.

Dylan would be yet another storm the country has faced this winter, including Aileen on September 12 to13, Brian on October 21 and Caroline on December 7, which saw 124mph peak gusts.

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The Weather Outlook forecaster Brian Gaze said: “Storm Dylan has potential to be named over the Christmas period.

“Stormy spells are due. 60mph gusts and some snow risks are expected in the north leading into the pre-Christmas weekend, with winds picking up in the south with 50mph gusts possible.

“And after Christmas Day it looks like we're seeing stronger winds which could push 70mph.”

The Met Office forecast gales gusting up to 55mph on Thursday and Friday in the north as snow threatens higher ground towards Christmas, with strong winds spreading to the south by Christmas Eve on Sunday.

The Met Office said it had not discussed naming a storm, but told travellers to check for updated weather warnings.

Met Office forecaster Mark Wilson said: “After the cold spell, a very mild 15C could be seen by Tuesday in south-west England and eastern Scotland as tropical maritime air from far south in the Atlantic arrives.

“But gales gusting to 45mph could be seen in Scotland’s north-west.

“The north looks windy from Thursday and Friday with 50-55mph gusts, with snow possible closer to Christmas on hills.